Disney World – Two Magical Weeks For Beginners

Walt Disney World in Orlando is without a doubt one of our favourite holiday destinations and a bucket list destination for many families. There really is something magical about a holiday here and there is a positivity about the place that is infectious. The endless array of entertainment, activities and year-round sunshine draw families back year after year (us included!) but the sheer choice on offer can make planning your first trip somewhat daunting. So where do you start? Well, I’m taking the hard work out of planning for you and sharing an ideal two week itinerary:

Disney World 14 day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Orlando, settle into your accommodationDay 2 – Take a day to get the kids onto Florida time, explore your accommodation, have a swim in the pool, eat out and generally enjoy being in Florida.Day 3 – Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom – this is the park that everyone wants to see and with a bit of prior preparation, it will not disappoint. It’s worth doing your research and knowing which rides you want to go on. Disney run a ‘fast pass’ service that allows you to pre-book a time slot for each ride/show/attraction. If you don’t want to queue for two hours on each ride then you need to use this. The fast pass service comes as standard with your tickets so this is definitely worth using.Day 4 – Rest day – my advice is to take a rest day and not pack too much into one holiday otherwise you will be carting round irritable, exhausted children. If you get bored of the swimming pool then there are always other things to see and do that take up a few hours. Give yourself the time and space to relax and take things at your own pace – it is a holiday after all.Day 5 – Disneyland’s Typhoon Lagoon – by far my favourite of the Orlando water parks. It’s easy to spend a full day in this little (or not so little!) oasis with its laid back atmosphere. For older children the wave pool is the main draw here but as usual Disney have catered to the whole family so there is something for everyone. My top tip is to buy a refillable cup. For around $10 you can refill at the drinks stations as much as you want. We buy two or three and share as its much more economical that way.Day 6 – Kennedy Space Centre. Ok, this is a bit of a random addition in the middle of a Disney itinerary but for me, it is an un-missable part of a first holiday in Orlando. If it really isn’t your thing then you can choose to go back to one of the parks you have already visited or do something else entirely! It’s good to have that little buffer in your itinerary.Day 7 – Rest day. If you did choose to visit Kennedy Space Centre or another of the Disney parks then you may want a day off to chill. These are some of my favourite days.Day 8 – Disneyland’s Animal Kingdom. Ooh I just love this park! Although there are some fantastic rides, the main attractions are the incredible safari tour and conservation zoo. A truly brilliant day out for all the family. If you are planning on going on some rides here then don’t forget to book your fast pass.Day 9 – Rest Day.Day 10 – Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Waterpark. A really great day out with some of the more exciting water rides – in particular Summit Plummet, an almost vertical drop on one of the tallest, fastest, freefall body-drop slides in the world. This is not one for the faint hearted! Fear not, there are plenty of tamer rides and slides for the littlies too.Day 11 – Disney World’s Hollywood Studio. For our boys, this was their favourite park with some of the larger and more exciting rides (Aerosmith’s Rock n Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror). There are lots of brilliant shows here too, which you can use your fast pass to book. Taking the time out to watch a show makes a nice change to being spun around at this point in the holiday.Day 12 – Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon waterpark or rest day.Day 13 – Disney World’s Epcot. Epcot does tend to have a bit of a marmite effect on people. It’s full of things to see and do but not much in the way of roller coasters and rides (although there are a few). It’s a much more interactive experience and one which you should take your time to explore. As a first timer at Disney World, I think it would be a shame to miss out on this park so give it a try and decide for yourself. If it’s a hot day though there is little in the way of shade so bear this in mind.Day 14 – Travelling home. The worst part of any holiday but when you are saying farewell to the magic of Disney, it’s particularly sad. I guarantee you will be back!

There is so much to see and do in Orlando and of course Disney World is just the start of it but this is a really lovely beginners itinerary encompassing all of the main attractions whilst leaving you time and space to relax. I will be writing another post soon with my top tips on when to fly and where to stay. If you have any specific questions then drop me a comment in the box below and I will try to include the answers in my next Florida travel post.

We took our boys for the first time aged 9, 11 and 13 and they loved it but we will be returning next year with our little girl who will only be 18 months and I’ve no doubt she will love it as much as us. It’s such a fab place to go for all ages so I hope you get there x

We go to Disney every two years but since we’re not that far (a 3 hour direct plane ride) we only go for a week at a time… we plan some down time but not a whole lot. We really know the ins and outs of all the parks by now and with older kids we can usually keep going more and longer. We head into the parks at opening time each day; ride and explore for a few hours and then head to the hotel usually from 1-4 (or whenever the parks are feeling crowded and we want to cool off in the pool). We typically head back into the park for dinner and then stay until closing. There’s always such fun things to see and do and even after 5 or 6 trips we still find new things to do on each trip. I can’t wait for my boys to all be old enough to have lunch with an imagineer!Mother of 3 recently posted…My Summer Reads

We’re thinking Euro Disney this year, and maybe ‘proper’ Disney in a couple of years when they’ll be a bit more tolerant of the pace, heat etc. My hubby has been, I’m not a Disney fan myself but imagine it will be worth it to see my kids explode with excitement 🙂 #fortheloveofblogMess and Merlot recently posted…Back in the game- ish

Oh wow I am so jealous!! We constantly talk about taking the kids there but with six of us it would be massively expensive? I think we need to save up to a point where we can go and money be no object while we are over there, I would hate to go all that way and be budgeting and cutting back on things. One day we will get there…#stayclassylaura dove recently posted…SANDS Awareness month 2016

There’s no getting around the fact that it is expensive. Staying in a villa is much much cheaper than hotels though and easier with the kids. We go every other year so that we can save up for it. Once you get there it’s not all that expensive – just the flights that are the biggest cost! xFi recently posted…I’m Going to BritMums Live!

I love Disneyland!! I would so love to have a 2 week Disney vacation. Thanks for sharing your tips with #bigpinklink. We learnt the hard way, we didn’t have any rest days and the kids became very tired and over stimulated and could not enjoy themselves. We had to go back early on some days because the kids were just overtired. So good to plan rest-chill days.

I just had to read this, even thought I’m no where near planning a Disney World holiday haha. I haven’t been for years, but we’d go all out with the parks everyday and come back in the afternoon for a swim or nap, before going back out to a different park. There was no relaxing for us at Disney 🙂 xemilyandindiana recently posted…Sun, Sex in the City & Teepees | #LittleLoves

This is definitely a post to be saved, thanks so much for posting it. Disney is definitely on our bucket list for when my son is a bit older. He’s only 3 and figure I want to do it when he’ll remember it, at least the following year! Any suggestions re the best age to take them first time? #fortheloveofBLOGMum-Work-Repeat recently posted…Do I have a daddy?

I’d say between 4 and 6years old if you want them to be big enough to keep up (it’s exhausting!) and old enough to remember! Having said that, we are going next year and my daughter will only be 18 months so it’s lovely for all ages. xFi recently posted…Devon Cliffs – Haven Holiday Review

A trip to Disney World is definitely on my bucket list, I would love it and I know my son would too. I had no idea there were so many different parks!I love the sound of the animal Kingdom and all the water parks, that one slide sounds terrifying though, did you go on it?!xx #fortheloveofBLOGwendy recently posted…The ultimate Father’s day gift guide

Looks like so much fun! How about the one in Paris? Is that also good or is it worth going all the way to the states? Paris is just 3 hours away from us, so it seems like a much easier option! #fortheloveofBLOGKate Orson recently posted…Giggle Parenting Inspiration – Teeth Brushing School

Jealous! Can i come along in your suitcase (not the kids, just me!) Really good schedule, think rest days sound very good idea to save “theme park fatigue” and complete over-excitement! #fortheloveofBLOG

I can’t wait to take my daughter to Disney World. My in-laws live in Florida not far from Orlando, so it would be a great excuse to visit them as well. I’m just waiting until she gets a little older and can really appreciate it – she’s only just turned 1 so couldn’t really go on any of the rides yet. #fortheloveofBLOGSquirmy Popple recently posted…The Mummy Tag

Great advice. As children we used to go to parks in morning, leave at lunch, eat outside parks as it was cheaper have a nap or swim at hotel them go back around 5pm and stay till fireworks. It’s great if you have a flexible ticket and come and go as you please as it meant we avoided hottest part of day and everyone was well rested for staying up late! Can’t wait to take our little girl to Disney, such a magical place! #fortheloveofBLOG

Wow. It is an endurance test isn’t it? We went several years ago and managed 3 days but I am due to go again with my god daughter soon who lives in New Orleans so this is really useful. Thanks. #fortheloveofblog

We had a rest day at our villa every second or third day. Kids and us needed it and they loved splashing around the pool. Epcot was probably our favourite, much better than I thought it would be! #fortheloveofblog

Sounds absolutely amazing Florida is on our holiday wish list. Waiting for my youngest to be a bit older before we look at going. Thanks for the top tips x #fortheloveofBLOGMrs T recently posted…When will I learn?

I love Disney! I’ve been to Florida twice in my life as a kid and then in my 20’s and I was just excited the second time. These are great tips for anyone looking for to go for the first time. I’m hoping to go again in the not so distant future, it’s not just for kids it’s for big kids too! #fortheloveofBLOG

Im really sorry but I can’t even read this, even though I am sure its an amazing post!! When I was staying with my mum and dad, we went to Disney world every year since I was 13! The last time I was there was in 2010. 6 years ago and I have Disney withdrawal symptoms lol. I am totally obsessed with collecting and buying disney stuff!!
Next year we can finally afford to go with Holly!! And every time I read or thing about it, I want to explode with excitement! It will be a totally different experience this time with Holly!! an I CANT WAIT!!!
Lxhttp://workingmumy.blogspot.com
#fortheloveofBLOGlisa recently posted…Labour Advice

Oh this brings it all back! We had a fab time there – we actually loved the Epcot centre – one of my favourite – the kids loved the Soaring ride and the restaurants over there were definitely the best I thought. Oh and Blizzard beach – so much fun!! I agree with the rest day too though! #fortheloveofBLOGjustsayingmum.com recently posted…Operation Skinny Jean

Oh I love Disney! We were lucky enough to go to Disney world child free as part of our honeymoon which was great – there’s something for everyone. Be a few years before we’re back now I think, all that way with a 1 year old just doesn’t appeal! Maybe Paris tho….
Laura 🙂
#fortheloveofBLOG

Wow this sounds like a great itinerary! I really want to go to Florida but I think it will be a once in a lifetime experience so am waiting until we’ve had all our babies and they are a decent age! Would be interested to know the best age to take the kiddies and best time of year to go #fortheloveofBLOGAbi recently posted…Safari Adventures

Sounds amazing, we would love to take the boys when they are older, though we are thinking of doing Disneyland Paris in a couple of years first. Thanks for the itinerary it’s really good to have something like this in place. x #fortheloveofBLOGLet your light shine Mummy recently posted…Shoe Shopping

I’m desperate to take the kids to Disney! Me and husband have been to the Paris one 3 times I think and Orlando once. We’re considering Paris with the kids next year x #fortheloveofBLOGEmma Plus Three recently posted…My Grandpa Penwizard Books Review

This itinerary sounds amazing. I’ll definitely go to Disneyland with our son in the future when he’s old enough to go on the rides and really appreciate the experience. Plus I’m a big kid as well! #fortheloveofBLOG thanks for hosting!blabbermama recently posted…Ridicule my post pregnancy body [Graphic Content]

Love your top tip about having rest days! They’re so needed if you’re planning a proper holiday dose of Disney. We took our little ones to Disneyland in Tokyo in January. It’s way smaller than the Florida version ad EuroDisney but a great start. You can imagine how her face lit up at the start of the Frozen parade!

I am pretty sure that in a couple of years, I will be desperate to go here and will be nagging Mother and Father desperately to go. I like your idea of rest days as I imagine it can get exhausting/over-exciting. Sooooo excited to go in a few years (maybe) 😉 #fortheloveofBLOG

Aw so jealous – I would love to go to Disneyworld! When I was younger I begged by Dad but he always said no 🙁 this looks like an amazing itinerary, and I particularly love the Kennedy Space Center addition, I’ve also been intrigued by that too. Brilliant post! #stayclassy

We are hoping to take the kids in 2018 (20 year wedding anniversary) as they have never been and we all want to go. I never realised there were quite so many things to do. I went when we lived in the USA when I was 9…They hadn’t finished building the Epcot centre, which gives my age away!!! Not a fan of the French Disney park…That’s more like a glorified shop! Thanks for sharing. It’s got me really excited now and its aaaaaggggggeeeessss away!! #Fortheloveofblog

I am a mega Disney fan! We are celebrating my 30th at Disneyland Paris this year which will make my eighth trip!! I’ve not done the American Disney yet so I think it may have to go on the list although not just yet the idea of that flight with my two does not seem like a holiday to me haha!!! #fortheloveofBLOG xx

This is definitely on my to-do list. I have wanted to go since way before the kids were born and now I have them as a perfect excuse!! xx #fortheloveofBLOGYvonne recently posted…HELLP we are going home…

Ooh you’ve really made me want to go back to Florida!! Doesn’t help that this time 4 years ago, according to Timehop, we were getting off to Disneyland California! Thanks for sharing with #fortheloveofBLOG, I have a Disneyland Paris post coming soon…Mrs Lighty recently posted…You’re Only One Once…

Hey this is an amazing itinerary!! Think Disney need to be paying you and publishing this…I have staggered as far as Disneyland Paris! Wish I had a plan then 🙂 think it is so good to have structure so you don’t miss out on things…I would need to be knocked out on the plane ut it would be amazing to take my little man xx #fortheloveofblog

Wonderful itinerary Fi, this would take the stress out of anybody planning to go to Disney. I’ve never been, and didn’t realise it was so big and had so much to offer. Liking the sound of the Typhoon Lagoon, and rest days. Claire x #fortheloveofBLOGThe Pramshed recently posted…Our Holiday to Spain

Wow, this is an amazing itinerary! I used to go to Disney World as a child, my Grandma lives there and it really was magical! I haven’t heard of Typhoon Lagoon, but from your description, it sounds like a place I should definitely visit. I agree that you should have a rest day, this helps the whole family have a much more relaxed/fun time. Thank you for the advice and sharing with #StayClassyMama! p.s. the photo is fab!

Wow, this is an amazing itinerary! I used to go to Disney World as a child, my Grandma lives there and it really was magical! I haven’t heard of Typhoon Lagoon, but from your description, it sounds like a place I should definitely visit. I agree that you should have a rest day, this helps the whole family have a much more relaxed/fun time. Thank you for the advice and sharing with #StayClassyMama! p.s. the photo is fab!

I think you should incorporate the rest day as a beach or one of the water parks. They are relaxing. Then you have more time to do Universal and a Disney park again etc. Dont want to waste your expensive holiday in florida by doing nothing.